What can I do with a major in Dance?

OCCUPATIONAL OVERVIEW:

Dancers express ideas, stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies. They use a variety
of dance forms that allow free movement and self-expression, including classical ballet,
modern dance, ballroom, and culturally specific dance styles. UVU offers bachelor
degrees preparing students for both graduate work and professional careers in and
out of the dance world.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Students develop wide-ranging skills that can be applied in a wide range of occupations,
including the performing arts. “The dance major’s presentation skills, ability to
perform in public, and control of the body provides a solid basis for working effectively
with others. Dance also develops the ability to concentrate intensely, listen introspectively,
observe keenly, solve problems creatively, think critically, collaboratively develop
a project, work independently, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain composure
when faced with the unexpected” (from University of Texas – Austin Fine Arts Career
Services website). A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum formal education required.
Some areas may require a graduate degree, or may assist employment in highly competitive
areas.

SOME COMMON EMPLOYERS OF DANCE GRADUATES:

University theatre/dance troupes

Touring companies

Industrial shows

Colleges/universities

Television networks

Advertising agencies

TV/film studios

Magazines/newspapers

Performing arts centers

Cruise lines

Schools (K-12 public and private)

Theatre companies (local, regional, national)

Nonprofit arts/dance organizations

Private arts/dance organizations

Arts councils/cultural organizations

Government (local, federal, state)

Rehabilitation facilities

Nursing homes

Treatment/counseling centers

Medical facilities

Wellness/alternative health care centers

Dance studios/schools

Recreation facility

Community-based agencies

COMMON GRADUATE SCHOOL OPTIONS FOR DANCE MAJORS:

MFA (choreography, performance) or MA (dance scholarship, therapy, teaching, history,
criticism, arts management). Students interested in obtaining a graduate degree may
also be interested in such professional programs as law or the MBA, amongst others.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

Professional associations or organizations can be a great way to meet, learn from
and network with professionals in your field of interest. Inexpensive student memberships
are often available. These are only a sampling of professional associations. Be sure
to search for others that may be applicable or helpful.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

A liberal arts degree in general, reflects a comprehensive education emphasizing analytical
skills, critical thinking and communication skills; abilities in high demand for all
employers. Concentrating your studies in a major allows you to also gain specific
transferable skills of interest to particular employers and industries. Graduates
with a major in Dance are attractive to employers due to their abilities in the following
areas: